Relaxation

Relaxation provides the benefit of reducing the bodily tension that is often associated with emotional distress. You have the power to actively shift your emotions at any point by intervening with your bodily sensations, thoughts or environmental context. While it is true that you do not have direct control over your emotional experience, you can indirectly shift your emotions by consciously adopting thoughts and physical activities that prompt an experience of calm and relaxation. Some examples of how you can use relaxation to shift out of an emotional state of distress include: progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or stretching.

Relaxing Actions: improve the moment by doing something physically or mentally relaxing. Physically relaxing things can overlap with the Self-Soothe skill and even the TIP skill, and mental relaxation can overlap with Mindfulness and meditation.

Examples of using Relaxing Actions include:

The Big List of Self-Soothing Ideas

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Take a hot bath or sit in a hot tub.

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Drink a warm drink such as a fancy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even warm milk, if that’s your thing.

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Massage your neck and scalp.

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Practice yoga or other stretching, or mindful movement such as Tai Chi.